1
as in to elevate
to assign a high status or value to
a movie that aggrandizes the bad guys and makes the cops look like dopes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number
a generous grant, enabling the library to significantly aggrandize its collection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aggrandize
Part of him wants to aggrandize the country to reflect his own inflated self-conception.
—
Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout the war, state-run media have aggrandized Russian wins on the battlefield, while downplaying or ignoring news to the contrary.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
This was a quintessential Kornet moment, surreptitiously aggrandizing while capturing the spirit of his accomplishment.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 May 2025
In the Caribbean, San Juan’s rebirth following hurricanes and the pandemic is marked by an inaugural culinary festival, thanks to the very innovators who have aggrandized the tiny island’s bold flavors around the globe.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggrandize
Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout the war, state-run media have aggrandized Russian wins on the battlefield, while downplaying or ignoring news to the contrary.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
This was a quintessential Kornet moment, surreptitiously aggrandizing while capturing the spirit of his accomplishment.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 May 2025
In the Caribbean, San Juan’s rebirth following hurricanes and the pandemic is marked by an inaugural culinary festival, thanks to the very innovators who have aggrandized the tiny island’s bold flavors around the globe.
—Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggrandize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggrandize
Verb
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Carragher acknowledged that Slot’s achievement in winning the Premier League in his first campaign elevated him to a level above what fellow Dutchman Ten Hag achieved in just over two years as Manchester United manager following his summer 2022 appointment, but the point stood.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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This matching set gives a sporty-chic vibe, thanks to contrast stripes along the sleeves, adding just enough detail to elevate it beyond your standard loungewear.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Salah’s comments followed a limp 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Friday that increased criticism of Slot and questions about his future in the job.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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In Los Angeles, for example, the city spent more than 50 million dollars in 2021 on policing homelessness, yet unsheltered homelessness still increased.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Verb
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In 2024, Hamilton shared posts on X promoting misinformation about FEMA spending during Hurricane Helene.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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The chef Sunny Lee promotes them to a lead role, conjuring a daily set of six (with extras available) out of a breathlessly narrow kitchen.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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There are numerous suites in the mix that expand upon the space, and anyone booking an executive category room enjoys access to the 25th-floor club lounge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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Together, the movements reflected an apparent effort to insulate some of Iran's remaining military and aviation assets from the expanding conflict, even as officials publicly served as brokers for de-escalation.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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China's economy appeared to be starting the year on a strong note, with GDP growth accelerating to 5% in the first quarter.—
Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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Their hand is also forced by climate change, war and the accelerating rush for timber and minerals.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Cleveland could augment, perhaps even with Giannis.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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Harry Styles' stage is a pop playground Styles’ laudable core band – anchored by his longtime drummer, the indefatigable Sarah Jones, who makes tricky beats look simple – was augmented by strings and horns on several tracks, a testament to his ambitious musical aspirations.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The formula is designed to hydrate and smooth strands while boosting softness and shine for a healthier-looking finish.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Dial the mode selector over to Sport and the V8 takes over, allowing the electric motor to boost rather than lead your drive experience.—
Scotty Reiss,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggrandize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggrandize. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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